October 2021 PSBC Connections

Flickering Lamps

New Christian Life Academy Class: Flickering Lamps (by Henry & Richard Blackaby)

We are preparing for the future God has for us as we return to the West End. We earnestly desire to significantly impact our communities for God’s glory. We want to make an eternal difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.

From now until Sunday, November 14th, PSBC has brought the adult CLA classes together to study the book and DVD series, Flickering Lamps, by Henry Blackaby and his son, Richard. This study will help us understand God’s purpose for our church, and how God can use us to accomplish it for His Glory, and in His power. Jim Whitworth is leading the discussion and application portion of our study.

Come join us in our study of Flickering Lamps, or if you’re unable to participate in the class, we invite you to read the book with us. Call the PSBC office if you’d like a copy, at 864-232-7312.

Ronald E. Geyer, Architect

The drawings for the site work have been submitted for permitting, and the Contractor expects to apply for a building permit by the end of September. As City officials review the design, the Contractor will be finalizing the process of pricing for the project.

Pray that the building permit will be approved quickly and without complications, and for favorable pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.

Pastor Marty Price

Making Disciples requires intentionality. Our Preparation 2021 Team has been doing the hard work of prayerfully clarifying our Mission, Identity (Kingdom Concept), and Values. This is the “behind the scenes” work that is essential for us to move into the future God has for us. We will be sharing the results of our work with the congregation this fall. These are the parts of our church that don’t change significantly.

Our next steps are to address the things that, of necessity, do change. It’s time for us to prayerfully develop strategies and plans to accomplish our mission. We’ll be doing this in a series of small group meetings over the next several months. We hope you will all plan to participate.

Pastor Marty and Suzanne Price

From Pastor Marty Price

It’s October! Suzanne has strategically and attractively placed decorations around our home celebrating the changing of the seasons. Multicolored leaves, pumpkins, and more greet me when I come home, and it is beautiful. Of course, their presence is temporary. There are ceramic snowmen, Christmas carolers, garlands, and more that will be making their appearance in a few weeks. Those changes are set in a context that doesn’t significantly change, though. The fireplace mantle, the doorways, the structure of our home, all are mostly constant. So, while some things change with the seasons, others remain constant. I can’t help but see how that applies to our church family as well.

There are structural things that do not change – joining our hearts together in Authentic Worship, being continually changed as we Embrace Truth, depending on God through Reliant Prayer, genuine and gracious care as we Love People, following hard after Jesus as we Pursue Discipleship, and displaying God’s character through Gracious Generosity.

There are things that continually change, as God leads, to refine us as we Glorify God by Making Mature Disciples of All Nations, starting in the West End. We must be continually changing, learning, and living out the eternal truths of God’s Word. Following Jesus is a journey that we take until we reach our final destination. As I reflect on the many ways I am seeing the grace of God in and through our congregation, I am glad. With the Psalmist we can say:

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he satisfies the longing soul,
and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (Psalm 107:8-9)

God is good indeed!

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